For Lynyrd Skynyrd, the show must go on, even without one of their crucial players. The sole living founding member, Gary Rossington, is taking some time away from the band, after undergoing emergency heart surgery, but is expected to make a full recovery.
Lynyrd Skynyrd announced the news on social media.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Gary Rossington as he recovers from emergency heart surgery,” the statement began. “Gary is home resting and recovering with his family at home. He wants everyone to know he is doing good and expects a full recovery.”
The band went on to explain why they decided to continue with their Big Wheels Keep on Turnin’ Tour, even without Rossington.
“After this past year, the country being shut down and everything we have all been thru, The Rossington’s encouraged the band to go perform in his absence,” the band explained. “Music is a powerful healer! We all felt playing the shows and bringing the music to y’all was a better option than cancelling the performances.
“We wish Gary a speedy recovery and we will see the Skynyrd Nation very soon!” the statement concluded. “Please do us a favor and say some prayers for the Rossington family and if you would like to leave him a (positive) message please do! He will look forward to reading them!”
Our thoughts and prayers are with Gary Rossington as he recovers from emergency heart surgery. Gary is home resting and recovering with his family at home. He wants everyone to know he is doing good and expects a full recovery.
After this past year, the country being shut down and everything we have all been thru, The Rossington’s encouraged the band to go perform in his absence. Music is a powerful healer! We all felt playing the shows and bringing the music to y’all was a better option than cancelling the performances.
We wish Gary a speedy recovery and we will see the Skynyrd Nation very soon!
Please do us a favor and say some prayers for the Rossington family and if you would like to leave him a (positive) message please do! He will look forward to reading them!Posted by Lynyrd Skynyrd on Friday, July 23, 2021
The historic band planned on spending much of 2020 on the road, on their Last of the Street Survivors Farewell Tour, which of course had to be cut short because of the pandemic.
“We were two shows into the end of the three-year plan for the farewell tour, when the virus hit and everything was just gone,” Johnny Van Zant recalled. “Once something is taken away from you – music and touring in our case – you truly realize how important it is and such a part of your life. Music is a great healer, and that’s what we all turn to when things are good or bad. A Skynyrd show is a family affair, and we want these dates to help heal our fans as much as ourselves.”
“COVID turned our world upside down,” Rossington added. “And since that time, we have been talking amongst the band, and realized that music has such a way of healing. Maybe it’s not our time to go. And maybe it’s our time to lift people’s spirits and lives and bring back some joy and happiness after so much turmoil this past year. We’re still standing, still keeping the music going.”
No word yet when Rossington will resume touring with Lynyrd Skynyrd. Tour dates can be found at LynyrdSkynyrd.com.
